The Truth About Black Henna – What You Need to Know
Learn the risks of black henna,
what ingredients to avoid, and how to choose safe,
natural henna for beautiful, worry-free designs.
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Black henna is not pure henna. It’s a paste made mostly of harmful chemicals; especially PPD (para-phenylenediamine), which is commonly found in permanent hair dye. Other ingredients may include charcoal, kerosene, or industrial-grade dyes, with only a small trace of actual henna (if any).
It may give a darker stain, but the long-term damage it can cause far outweighs the temporary beauty.
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Black henna is not safe for the skin, no matter how beautiful the stain may look. The chemical ingredients can cause:
Painful blisters, burns, and skin peeling
Permanent scarring or discoloration
Severe allergic reactions
In extreme cases, lead poisoning and long-term skin sensitivity
At By Karisma, I do not use or encourage the use of black henna - ever.
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If you've used black henna or are considering it, here are some of the most reported side effects:
Itchy rashes and redness after a few hours or days
Raised, blistered patterns that mirror the design
Skin that becomes hypersensitive to dyes or sunlight
Lingering stains or scars that last for months — or longer
Everyone reacts differently, and these reactions can appear even if you've used it before with no issues.
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In many countries, including the UK, the use of PPD in skin products like black henna is banned or heavily restricted. While it’s allowed in hair dyes (in regulated amounts), it's not approved for direct skin contact.
You may still find black henna cones sold online or in markets — but that doesn’t make them safe or legal.
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Natural henna is made from the dried leaves of the henna plant and should be:
Brownish-green in powder form
Earthy-smelling, not chemical or perfume-heavy
Producing a reddish-brown to deep maroon stain, not jet black
Mixed fresh with ingredients like lemon juice, sugar, and essential oils
Avoid any product labeled “black henna,” “instant henna,” or with chemical-sounding ingredients on the label.
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If you're a bride, party guest, or henna lover with sensitive skin, follow these tips:
Always ask your henna artist what ingredients they use
Book a patch test at least 48 hours before your appointment
Choose artists who mix their paste fresh and offer transparent ingredient lists
Avoid cones that are pre-packaged, smell chemically, or stain dark instantly
At By Karisma, I only use natural, safe, and handmade henna paste for all clients.
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If it is mandatory or a client insists and provides a black henna cone they’ve used before without any reactions, I may apply it — only with a clear disclaimer that it’s at their own risk.
However, I always advise against it and educate clients on the possible side effects.